Times change. I don't know if the cheap, entry level guns are a better choice, but they are inexpensive...and very plastic. 😄
Cheap and plastic, but for the cost, man do those things shoot....!
Most do, but many of the people here would argue that beauty is more important.
I am from the functional school. I do not have too many pretty rifles. It's probably my military background. Sometimes, you can marry functional and attractive, but it is always in the eyes of the beholder.
I have in the past had stocks from:
Boyds: laminate, very happy with the product 3 in total I think and would gladly buy from them again.
Richards MF: laminate not happy with the product 1 and never again
McMillan; fibreglass very happy with the product, 2
At present I only have one of the McMillans.
GRF
I think laminate stocks are a great idea. For the overwhelming majority, they are the perfect combination of ruggedness and good looks.